Networking Hardware Elements With Network Layout Maps Thereon, And Related Methods

ABSTRACT

Examples of networking hardware with network layout maps thereon are disclosed herein. Other examples, embodiments, and related methods are also described herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/506,351, filed on Aug. 17, 2006. The disclosure of the referencedapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to computer networks, and relates moreparticularly to the monitoring and management of computer networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer networks include a variety of elements such as computers,printers, modems, and the like. Computer networks also often includenetworking hardware elements, such as wireless and/or wired routers, toelectrically couple the various computer network elements to each other.From time to time, however, these computer networks have performanceproblems. Computer network administrators or other users attempting toaddress such performance problems often receive information about thecomputer system through a display on the networking hardware elements,and/or through a user interface on the computers. Existing userinterfaces vary widely with respect to the nature and the amount ofinteraction they allow, but none are ideal in terms of the diagnosticinformation and problem solving advice they provide to the user. Inaddition, user interfaces are often complicated and difficult for anovice user to understand and use. Accordingly, there exists a need foran improved apparatus and method to monitor and manage computernetworks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figuresin the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a computer network in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a networking hardware element from the computernetwork of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a different embodiment of the networking hardwareelement of FIG. 2 in accordance with a different embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a display of the networking hardware element of FIGS.2 and 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates different embodiment of the display of FIG. 4 inaccordance with a different embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for displaying a networklayout map on a networking hardware element in accordance with anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for displaying a networksetup and/or troubleshooting advice on a networking hardware element inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in thedrawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodimentsof the present invention. The same reference numerals in differentfigures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example,capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated orotherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,”“include,” “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limitedto those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listedor inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, areused for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describingpermanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms soused are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that theembodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capableof operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwisedescribed herein. The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined asdirectly or indirectly connected in an electrical, mechanical, or othermanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In one embodiment, a networking hardware element capable of couplingcomputer network elements comprises a network diagnostic mechanism thatis capable of mapping the computer network elements and that is alsocapable of determining a connection status for the computer networkelements. The networking hardware element also comprises a display thatis capable of communicating with the network diagnostic mechanism andthat is also capable of displaying a network layout map ofrepresentations of the computer network elements and the connectionstatus of the computer network elements.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a computer network1000. Computer network 1000 includes computer network elements 1010 anda networking hardware element 1100. Networking hardware element 1100couples computer network elements 1010 together and, as explained inmore detail hereinafter, is capable of displaying a network layout mapof computer network 1000. Networking hardware element 1100 canrepresent, for example, a router, a hub such as a networking hub or auniversal serial bus hub, a switch, a wireless network access point, awireless networking card, or any other device used to couple computernetwork elements 1010 and to route communication signals betweencomputer network elements 1010. Networking hardware element 1100 is nota computer.

As an example, computer network elements 1010 can include at least onemodem 1500, one or more wired computers 1300 connected throughnetworking hardware element 1100 through a wired connection, one or morewireless computers 1200 connected to networking hardware element 1100through a wireless connection, one or more printers 1400, and Internet1600. Modem 1500 couples networking hardware element 1100 to Internet1600.

Each of computer network elements 1010 are coupled through wired orwireless connections to networking hardware element 1100 via terminals1120 of networking hardware element 1100. Terminals 1120 can bemechanical terminals such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, telephonejacks such as of the RJ-11 and RJ-14 types, Ethernet jacks such as ofthe RJ-45 type, or any other suitable connection mechanism to couplecomputer network elements 1010. Terminals 1120 can also be wirelessterminals, such as one or more antennae to send and receive signals inaccordance to wireless communications standards like IEEE 802.11.Terminals 1120 can also be referred to as router terminals whennetworking hardware element 1100 is a router. Although printer 1400 andmodem 1500 are illustrated in FIG. 1 to be hardwired to networkinghardware element 1100, one skilled in the art will understand thateither or both of printer 1400 and modem 1500 can be coupled tonetworking hardware element 1100 via a wireless connection.

FIG. 2 illustrates networking hardware element 1100. Regardless ofwhether networking hardware element 1100 is a wired device, a wirelessdevice, or both, networking hardware element 1100 comprises one or moretransceivers 2130. Transceivers 2130 are capable of sending andreceiving communication signals between any of computer network elements1010 (FIG. 1) coupled to networking hardware element 1100.

Networking hardware element 1100 further comprises a network diagnosticmechanism 2140, which is capable of monitoring transceivers 2130 inorder to map each of computer network elements 1010 (FIG. 1), and whichis also capable of determining the connection status of each of computernetwork elements 1010. In some embodiments, network diagnostic mechanism2140 can be referred to as a network mapping routine, and connectionstatus can be referred to as a communication status. The network mappingroutine/network diagnostic mechanism 2140 may be implemented fornetworking hardware element 1100 through software, firmware, orhardware, or through a combination of these approaches.

Networking hardware element 1100 is also capable of displaying a networklayout map 2111. In some embodiments, network layout map 2111 can bereferred to as a network arrangement representation. Networking hardwareelement 1100 also comprises a display 2110, which is capable ofcommunicating with network diagnostic mechanism 2140 and which is alsocapable of displaying network layout map 2111. In one embodiment,display 2110 comprises a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). In the same or adifferent embodiment, display 2110 is iconographic, denotingrepresentations 2112 of computer network elements 1010 (FIG. 1) throughicons. In the same or a different embodiment, display 2110 can alsocomprise Light Emitting Diode (LED) sets, comprising one or more LEDs,where the LED sets correspond to representations 2112 of computernetwork elements 1010. While communicating with network diagnosticmechanism 2140, display 2110 can access information, for example, aboutwhich of computer network elements 1010 are present, and about theconnection status of each of computer network elements 1010. Display2110 can then display network layout map 2111 on networking hardwareelement 1100, based on the information gathered from network diagnosticmechanism 2140.

Network layout map 2111 on display 2110 comprises representations 2112of computer network elements 1010 (FIG. 1), along with an indication ofthe connection status for computer network elements 1010 (FIG. 1).Network layout map 2111 is arranged so as to convey information to auser about the composition of computer network 1000 throughrepresentations 2112.

In one embodiment, each of representations 2112 can represent adifferent one of computer network elements 1010 coupled to networkinghardware element 1100 in computer network 1000. In the same or adifferent embodiment, one or more of representations 2112 can representa set or group of similar ones of computer network elements 1010, asexplained in more detail hereinafter.

Representations 2112 can also represent the interconnections betweencomputer network elements 1100 and networking hardware element 1100. Theconnection status for each of computer network elements 1010 can also beindicated through display 2110, such as by causing the corresponding oneof representations 2112 to blink and/or change colors, or by otherwisemaking display 2110 point to the corresponding one of representations2112. In one example, the connection status can be indicated through oneor more LED sets that correspond to particular computer network elements1010.

In one embodiment, display 2110 is also capable of displaying a networkinformation set 2113, which can provide users with information such asthe connectivity, security, and speed of computer network 1000. In someembodiments, network information set 2113 can be referred to as anetwork information listing.

FIG. 3 illustrates a networking hardware element 3100, which is adifferent embodiment of networking hardware element 1100 of FIG. 2.Networking hardware element 3100 includes a display 3100. In oneembodiment, display 3110 is capable of accomplishing the same tasks asdisplay 2110 on networking hardware element 1100, but is also capable ofdisplaying a network troubleshooting advice 3114. Networktroubleshooting advice 3114 can be presented, for example, to guide andinteract with a user while troubleshooting the connection status ofcomputer network elements 1010 coupled through networking hardwareelement 3100.

In the same or a different embodiment, display 3110 is capable ofaccomplishing the same tasks as display 2110 on networking hardwareelement 1100, but is also capable of displaying a network setup advice3115. Network setup advice 3115 can be presented, for example, tointeract with the user during the setup of computer network 1000 byguiding the user through the coupling of different computer networkelements 1010 to networking hardware element 3110.

In some embodiments, user input regarding network troubleshooting advice3114 and network setup advice 3115 may be gathered through userinterface 3130. User interface 3130 can be implemented on networkinghardware element 3100, or externally through one of computer networkelements 1010 coupled to networking hardware element 3100.

Networking hardware element 3100 can select the network troubleshootingadvice 3114 and network setup advice 3115 for display 3110 through anadvice selection mechanism 3120. Advice selection mechanism 3120 can beimplemented through software, firmware, or hardware, or through acombination of these approaches, locally in networking hardware element3100 or via one of computer network elements 1010 coupled to networkinghardware element 3100. In the same or a different embodiment, adviceselection mechanism 3120 can be a subpart of network diagnosticmechanism 2140. Networking hardware element 3100 can be configured toselect proper network troubleshooting advice 3114 or network setupadvice 3115 via advice selection mechanism 3120, based on interactionwith the user, or based on computer network information gathered vianetwork diagnostic mechanism 2140.

In the same or a different embodiment, networking hardware element 3100is capable of interpreting input from a user responding to networktroubleshooting advice 3114 and/or network setup advice 3115 displayedon display 3110, and then causing display 3110 to display an additionalnetwork troubleshooting advice 3116 and/or network setup advice 3117. Ina different embodiment, display 3110 displays the additional networktroubleshooting advice 3116 and/or network setup advice 3117 in responseto network diagnostic mechanism 2140 identifying a change in theconnection status of one or more of computer network elements 1010 (FIG.1).

In the same or a different embodiment, networking hardware element 3100is further capable of indicating on display 3110 which ofrepresentations 2112 of computer network elements 1010 correspond tonetwork troubleshooting advice 3114 or network setup advice 3115. Thisindication can be done by causing corresponding representations 2112 toblink or change colors, or by otherwise making display 3110 point to orillustrate corresponding representations 2112.

FIG. 4 illustrates display 2110 of networking hardware elements 1100 and3100, from FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 4,display 2110 comprises network layout map 2111, which includesrepresentations 2112 of computer network elements 1010 on computernetwork 1000, and the connection status of computer network elements1010.

In the same or a different embodiment, display 2110 can also comprise anetwork information set 2113, which can present information aboutcomputer network 1000 such as a network security indicator 41131, aservice set identifier 41132, a network speed 41133, and a networksecurity standard 41134.

Network layout map 2111 in display 2110 illustrates a set of computernetwork element representations 2112, which can include an Internetconnection representation 41121, a modem representation 41122, anetworking hardware element representation 41123, a wired computerrepresentation 41124, and a wireless computer representation 41125,along with representations for interconnections between computer networkelements 1010.

In the same or a different embodiment, a first one of representations2112 represents a plurality of one type of computer network elements1010. For instance, wired computer representation 41124 can represent aset of one of more computers mechanically connected via wire or cable tocomputer network 1000 via networking hardware element 1100. Similarly,wireless computer representation 41125 can represent a set of one ormore computers connected wirelessly to computer network 1000 vianetworking hardware element 1100.

In the same or a different embodiment, representations 2112 can furtherindicate the quantity of the plurality of computer network elements 1010they represent. This quantity indication can be accomplished, forinstance, through computer network element counters 41126 correspondingto particular ones of representations 2112.

FIG. 5 illustrates a display 5110, which is a different embodiment ofdisplay 2210 illustrated in FIG. 4. Display 5110 comprises a networklayout map 5111 that includes representations 5112 of computer networkelements 1010. Network layout map 5111 and representations 5112 in FIG.5 are similar to network layout map 2111 and representations 2112 inFIGS. 2, 3, and 4. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, each ofrepresentations 5112 can represent only an individual one of computernetwork elements 1010, rather than being able to represent a pluralityof one type of computer network elements 1010. As a result, there couldbe one or more representations 5112 on display 5110 for the same type ofcomputer network element 1010.

For instance, if there were two wired computers 1300 (FIG. 1) and threewireless computers 1200 (FIG. 1) coupled to computer network 1000, thentwo wired computer representations 51124 and three wireless computerrepresentations 51125 would be indicated on network layout map 5111.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 6000 for displaying a networklayout map on a networking hardware element.

A step 6100 of method 6000 involves monitoring for computer networkelements through transceivers in a networking hardware element. Themonitoring of step 6100 can be performed by iteratively scanning forcommunication signals from computer network elements, which are coupledto the networking hardware element, or which are otherwise present in acomputer network.

As an example, the networking hardware element in step 6100 can benetworking hardware element 1100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, or networkinghardware element 3100 of FIG. 3. In the same or a different example,these same networking hardware elements can perform step 6100 in FIG. 6for a computer network, such as computer network 1000 (FIG. 1), byscanning for computer network elements, such as computer networkelements 1010 (FIG. 1), through network diagnostic mechanism 2140, asdescribed in FIG. 2.

Returning to FIG. 6, a step 6200 of method 6000 involves determining aconnection status for any of the computer network elements coupled tothe networking hardware element. This step can be accomplished, forexample, by processing information gathered in step 6100 from monitoringtransceivers in the networking hardware element. In the same or adifferent example, determining the connection status can be accomplishedthrough a mechanism such as network diagnostic mechanism 2140, asdescribed in FIG. 2. In the same or a different example, steps 6100 and6200 of method 6000 can be subparts of a single step.

A step 6300 of method 6000 in FIG. 6 involves displaying a networklayout map by showing the computer network elements present in thecomputer network and the interconnections between the computer networkelements. The network layout map can be based on information gathered instep 6200 about the computer network elements and about the connectionstatus of the computer network elements. As an example, step 6300 canproduce a network layout map on a display similar to network layout map2111 on display 2110 in FIGS. 2 and 4, and/or similar to network layoutmap 5111 on display 5110 in FIG. 5.

A step 6400 of method 6000 in FIG. 6 involves displaying a connectionstatus for the computer network elements displayed on network layout mapof step 6300. As an example, the connection status of the computernetwork elements can be indicated, as described in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3,such as by causing any appropriate ones of representations 2112 to blinkor change colors, or by otherwise making display 2110 point to anyappropriate ones of representations 2112. In the same or a differentexample, steps 6300 and 6400 of method 6000 can be subparts of a singlestep, or their sequence can be reversed.

In the same or a different example, a step 6500 of method 6000 involvesdisplaying a network information set. The information to be displayedcan be determined, for instance, by processing the information gatheredin step 6100 from monitoring the transceivers in the networking hardwareelement. As an example, the network information set can be indicated asillustrated by network information set 2113 from FIG. 4. In the same ora different example, steps 6300, 6400, and 6500 of method 6000 can besubparts of a single step, or their sequence can be changed.

In the same or a different example, a decision step 6600 of method 6000involves determining whether the networking hardware element is equippedto render a network setup and/or troubleshooting advice to a user. Inone example, the network setup and/or troubleshooting advice can be asdescribed for network troubleshooting advice 3114 and/or network setupadvice 3115 in FIG. 3. If the networking hardware element is notequipped to provide the network setup and/or troubleshooting advice,then method 6000 proceeds along a path “A”, which repeats method 6000 atstep 6100. If the networking hardware element is equipped to provide thenetwork setup and/or troubleshooting advice, then method 6000 proceedsalong a path “B”, which continues method 6000 as a method 7000, as shownhereinafter in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of method 7000 for displaying a networksetup and/or troubleshooting advice on a networking hardware element.

In one example, the network setup and/or troubleshooting advice canencompass both setup advice and troubleshooting advice, such as networksetup advice 3115 and network troubleshooting advice 3114 (FIG. 3). In adifferent example, network setup and/or troubleshooting advice canencompass only setup advice. In a different example, network setupand/or troubleshooting advice can encompass only troubleshooting advice.

A step 7100 of method 7000 involves determining whether displaying ofnetwork setup and/or troubleshooting advice on networking hardwareelement is required. In one example, step 7100 is reached from path “B”from FIG. 6. If the network setup and/or troubleshooting advice is notrequired, then method 7000 ends, and the process proceeds along path “A”to step 6100 of method 6000 (FIG. 6). If the network setup and/ortroubleshooting advice is required, then method 7000 continues with astep 7200.

As an example, determining in step 7100 whether the network setup and/ortroubleshooting advice is required can be done via an advice selectionmechanism and/or a network diagnostic mechanism in the networkinghardware element, such as advice selection mechanism 3120 (FIG. 3)and/or network diagnostic mechanism 2140 (FIGS. 2 and 3) in networkinghardware element 3100 (FIG. 3). In one example, the advice selectionmechanism can select the proper network setup and/or troubleshootingadvice based on information gathered during steps 6100 and 6200 fromFIG. 6, as related to the connection status of the computer networkelements in the computer network. In the same or a different example,the advice selection mechanism can select the proper network setupand/or troubleshooting advice based on interpreting a user input orrequest entered, such as described for user interface 3130 on FIG. 3.

A step 7200 of method 7000 in FIG. 7 involves displaying the networksetup and/or troubleshooting advice, as determined in step 7100, on thenetworking hardware element. As an example, step 7200 can beaccomplished on the networking hardware element through a display likedisplay 3110 for network setup advice 3115 and network troubleshootingadvice 3114 (FIG. 3).

Next, a step 7300 of method 7000 in FIG. 7 comprises indicating on thenetworking hardware element any representations of the computer networkelements corresponding to the network setup and/or troubleshootingadvice displayed per step 7200. As an example, step 7300 can beimplemented as described for FIG. 3 by causing correspondingrepresentations 2112 to blink or change colors, or by otherwise makingdisplay 3110 point to or illustrate corresponding ones ofrepresentations 2112. In a different embodiment, method 7000 skips oromits step 7300 such that step 7200 proceeds directly to step 7400.

A step 7400 of method 7000 in FIG. 7 comprises interpreting inputresponding to the network setup and/or troubleshooting advice displayed.In one example, the input can be entered by a user, such as describedfor user interface 3130 (FIG. 3). In the same or a different example,the input can be received automatically from any mechanism monitoringcomputer network, such as described for network diagnostic mechanism2140 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and which can also be referred to as user input. Inone embodiment, method 7010 does not include step 7010.

Then, a step 7500 of method 7000 comprises determining whether thenetwork setup and/or troubleshooting advice process is finished, basedon interpreting input received in step 7400 or based on new informationdetermined by the network diagnostic mechanism. In one example,determining whether the network setup and/or troubleshooting adviceprocess is finished can be done via the advice selection mechanism innetworking hardware element, such as advice selection mechanism 3120 innetworking hardware element 3100 (FIG. 3) or network diagnosticmechanism 2140 (FIGS. 2 and 3). If the network setup and/ortroubleshooting advice process is finished, then method 7000 ends, andthe process proceeds to path “A”, which repeats method 6000 (FIG. 6) ina cycle starting at step 6100 (FIG. 6). If the network setup and/ortroubleshooting process is not yet finished, then method 7000 proceedsto a step 7600.

Step 7600 comprises displaying on networking hardware element anadditional network setup and/or troubleshooting advice. Additionalnetwork setup and/or troubleshooting advice can be selected based on theinterpretation, in step 7400, of input that responded to the networksetup and/or troubleshooting advice displayed previously. As an example,step 7600 can be accomplished on a networking hardware element throughan advice selection mechanism, such as advice selection mechanism 3120in networking hardware element 3100, as described for both additionalnetwork setup advice 3117 and additional network troubleshooting advice3116 (FIG. 3).

Next, step 7700 in method 7000 in FIG. 7 involves indicating on thenetworking hardware element any representations of the computer networkelements corresponding to the displayed additional network setup and/oradditional troubleshooting advice of step 7600. As an example, step 7700can be implemented as described for FIG. 3 by causing correspondingrepresentations 2112 to blink or change colors, or by otherwise makingdisplay 3110 point to or illustrate corresponding ones ofrepresentations 2112. In a different embodiment, method 7000 skips oromits step 7700. In another embodiment, steps 7400, 7500, 7600, and 7700can be subparts of a single step.

Upon completion of step 7700, method 7000 proceeds back to step 7400,waiting to interpret input responding to the network setup and/ortroubleshooting advice displayed. Steps 7400-7700 repeat until thenetwork setup and/or troubleshooting advice process is finished, asdetermined in step 7500. When network setup and/or troubleshootingadvice process is finished, method 7000 proceeds from step 7500 to path“A”, which repeats method 6000 in a cycle starting at step 6100.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. For example, the invention is not limited to awireless network context, and need not serve as a wireless network userinterface, but may find utility in any context in which a computersystem or a similar system must be monitored and/or managed. Similarly,the content and arrangement of the various screen displays can varywidely from the particular embodiments shown in the figures yet stillfall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure ofembodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative of the scopeof the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention shall be limited only to the extent requiredby the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in theart, it will be readily apparent that the methods discussed herein maybe implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoingdiscussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarilyrepresent a complete description of all possible embodiments. As aspecific example, in FIG. 7, step 7300 could occur before step 7200.Accordingly, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawingsthemselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment of the invention,and may disclose alternative embodiments of the invention.

All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to theinvention claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement ofone or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair.Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems havebeen described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, oressential features or elements of any or all of the claims.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicatedto the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/orlimitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are orare potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations inthe claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

1. A networking hardware element to couple computer network elements, comprising: a network diagnostic mechanism configured to: map the computer network elements; and a display configured to: present a network layout map of the computer network elements; wherein the display is built-in with the networking hardware element.
 2. A method for providing a networking hardware element, the method comprising: providing a network diagnostic mechanism configured to: map computer network elements coupled to the networking hardware element; and providing a display configured to: present a network layout map of the computer network elements, the network layout map visible via a surface of the network diagnostic mechanism.
 3. An apparatus comprising: networking hardware configured to communicatively couple computer network elements together; a network diagnostic mechanism coupled to the networking hardware to map the computer network elements; and a display coupled to the network diagnostic mechanism to present a network layout map of the computer network elements; wherein the networking hardware, the network diagnostic mechanism, and the display are built into the apparatus. 